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Dear Matt, A safe load limit relative to body weight has not been established.It is difficult as the number of variables is so great. However carrying over 40% of bodyweight is excessive even for short periods. A recent article by Pascoe D. et al (1997) Influence of carrying book bags on gait cycle and posture of youths in Ergonomics 24 , 1 , 1 - 14 may be a useful starting point. Hope this is of some help Sara Dockrell Lecturer in Physiotherapy Trinity College Dublin %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%